Peach tree named ‘SWEETEMBER’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of white peach tree denominated ‘SWEETEMBER’ has fruits with high eating quality and very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, with a semi-sweet greenish white flesh, with a slightly star-shaped red pigmentation around the stone cavity and into the stone cavity, and an attractive luminous and homogenous skin with a high percentage of luminous purple red blush on skin surface.

Botanical classification: Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.

Variety denomination: ‘SWEETEMBER’.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No.2014/3163 filed on Nov. 27, 2014 (Nov. 27, 2014) which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of whitepeach tree, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, which has been given the varietydenomination ‘SWEETEMBER’. This new tree produces fruits with a longshelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completionand after harvesting, very good eating quality, clingstone white andslightly green flesh fruits for fresh market in September in thePyrénées-Orientales department, France. Contrast is made to‘MAILLARDIVA’ white peach tree (non patented), for reliable description.‘SWEETEMBER’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that ithas very attractive fruits with very long shelf life without alterationboth before and after harvesting.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The ‘SWEETEMBER’ white peach tree originated from a cultivated area ofthe south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, where it wastested.

This place is under a Mediterranean climate (a temperate area), on theMediterranean coastline. Winters are gentle and summers warm and dry.The amount of days with temperatures below 7° Celsius can vary between600 and 1200 hours per year. The place is sunny, with 2400 to 2800 hoursof sunny days per year on average. The prevailing wind is called‘Tramontane’: it dries the air, clears the sky from clouds, but itsintensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruit quantity and/orquality. Marine moisture does not affect the place. Precipitations areirregular through the year and from one year to another. The amount ofrainy days does not exceed 80 days per year, and are mostly found inSpring and Autumn. In May and October, very intense precipitationsoccasionally happen. Summer is dry with a few thunderstorms.

The ‘SWEETEMBER’ variety resulted from a pollinated cross between the‘NECTAPI’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,156) yellow nectarine tree, which wasused as the seed parent, and the ‘SWEETPRIM’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.21,157) white peach tree which was used as the pollen parent.

The ‘SWEETEMBER’ variety was obtained by hybridizing and propagated bygrafting on a “INRA® GF677” rootstock trees. It has been determined tohave unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy forcommercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of thestandard rootstock trees set forth above on the scion cultivar.Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and allcharacteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plantwas reproduced asexually by us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, LaPrade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées-Orientales, France. Moreparticularly, the plant was reproduced by grafting.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety ‘SWEETEMBER’ white peach tree blooms at theend of February or during March near Elne in the Pyrénées-Orientalesdepartment, France. More particularly, it blooms between February21^(st) and March 24^(th) generally slightly earlier than ‘MAILLARDIVA’white peach tree (non patented). The blooming period is consideredmedium to late. However, it was observed that its early date of bloomingseems to be highly dependant on climatic conditions.

The first fruit of ‘SWEETEMBER’ ripens generally during September,approximately 5 to 7 days after the ripening of the fruits of‘MAILLARDIVA’ white peach tree (non patented). More particularly, itusually ripens between August 28^(th) and September 26^(th). However, itwas observed that its early date of maturity seems to be highlydependant on climatic conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it isreasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph that shows a close view of typical fruitsof the new variety ‘SWEETEMBER’ at ripening time.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows the leaves of the variety andfour typical specimens of the fruit, two having been cut in half withthe pit being left into one of the halves for depicting fruit flesh andpit of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph which depicts the flower buds at differentdevelopment stages, and the reverse and side view of the flower and thereproductive organs with petals removed, of the new variety.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph different views of the stone of the newvariety and the kernel of the stone.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves andfruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate whencompared to the actual botanical specimen.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the new variety named ‘SWEETEMBER’ is identified withthe breeder's reference ‘ASF1053’.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variationsin soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potentialfor commercial production of fresh fruits by ‘SWEETEMBER’ is high, dueto fruit very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting.

Trees are medium vigorous and large stature half-standing in asemi-flared to semi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration offlowering shoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. Thetime of beginning of flowering is considered medium to late; floweringbegins at the end of February or in March. The type of flower is showywith medium petal size. Petals are pale pink. Leaf glands are presentand round. The fruit flesh is white and slightly green generally with ared pigmentation into the stone cavity and around this cavity, in a starshape. The fruit skin is very thick, with a luminous and homogenous redpurple blush on a red background. The stone is clingstone and his sizeis small to medium. Fruit taste is semi-sweet, very aromatic and with ahigh level of sugars.

Compared to ‘MAILLARDIVA’ white peach tree (non patented), which has atime of beginning of flowering considered late, ‘SWEETEMBER’ varietyshows a medium to late period of flowering, as set forth above. Thefirst fruits of ‘SWEETEMBER’ variety ripen 5 to 7 days later than thefruits of ‘MAILLARDIVA’. The fruits of ‘MAILLARDIVA’ show a slightlytriangular shape, whereas the fruits of ‘SWEETEMBER’ are very round andregular in shape. The size of ‘SWEETEMBER’ fruits is higher than thesize of ‘MAILLARDIVA’ fruits. The flavour of the fruit flesh for‘SWEETEMBER’ is considered semi-sweet, sugary and aromatic. Incomparison, the flavour of the flesh for the variety ‘MAILLARDIVA’ isconsidered balanced.

Compared to its female parent, which is ‘NECTAPI’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.21,156) yellow nectarine tree, the new variety ‘SWEETEMBER’ is a whitepeach tree. Moreover, ‘SWEETEMBER’ is considered as a late to verylate-season of maturity whereas ‘NECTAPI’ is considered to be a mediumto late-season variety. The leaf glands of ‘SWEETEMBER’ are round-shapedwhereas the leaf glands of ‘NECTAPI’ are reniform.

The new variety male parent, which is ‘SWEETPRIM’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.21,157), is also a white peach tree. The new variety ‘SWEETEMBER’ has alate to very late period of ripeness whereas the variety ‘SWEETPRIM’ isconsidered as an early-season variety for consumption. Moreparticularly, the fruits of ‘SWEETPRIM’ ripen in June whereas the fruitsof ‘SWEETEMBER’ ripen generally during September. The variety‘SWEETPRIM’ produces fruits having a flesh of balanced to semi-sweetflavour. In comparison, the fruits of ‘SWEETEMBER’ are semi-sweet,sugary and aromatic. Finally, the white flesh of ‘SWEETPRIM’ shows animportant red pigmentation and is then considered as a ‘half-blood’peach. In comparison, the greenish white flesh of the new variety‘SWEETEMBER’ has a slightly star-shaped red pigmentation around thestone cavity on approximately 10.0 millimeters and a red pigmentationinto said cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of white peach tree, the following was observed ontrees in their fifth growing season (fourth year of production) fortrees, fruits, leaves and stone and in their fourth growing season(third year of production) for flowers, under the ecological conditionsprevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne,Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observations have been doneon rootstock cultivars. Used rootstocks were “INRA® GF677” trees. Allmajor color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. ColourChart (Fourth Edition published in 2001) provided by The RoyalHorticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Generally. — Considered large. The tree size the first            year was approximately 250 cm. The tree was pruned during            each following dormant season to a height of approximately            250 cm. Current season shoots growth could reach 60 to            80 cm. The tree size from the second year (second and next            years) reached a final height of 310 to 330 cm including            current season shoots length. The tree size is consistently            reduces to 250 cm the next years.        -   Spread.—Approximately 100 cm with a cylindrical shape. The            whole orchard was oriented to a central leader organization,            with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1.0            meter in a same tree line. As a result, tree spread was            about 100 cm and the orchard contained 2500 trees by            hectare.        -   Vigor.—Considered strong. Probably useful to reduce the            supply in nitrogen nutriments in order to avoid an excessive            vegetation.        -   Productivity.—Very Productive and regular, every year. Fruit            set is spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit            into the desired market sized fruit. The number of the fruit            set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions and            cultural practices employed during the bloom period, and is            therefore not distinctive of the present variety.        -   Bearer.—Very regular. The fruit distribution is considered            homogenous on mixed branches and spurs having more than 1            year. A reduced thinning is performed, regarding the ability            of the new variety to produce homogenous fruits having an            interesting potential in terms of size.        -   Form.—The ‘SWEETEMBER’ variety has naturally a semi-flared            to semi-upright shape.        -   Density.—Considered dense.        -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in            France. The variety appears to be hardy under the central            Pyrénées-Orientales departement typical climatic conditions.            Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling            requirement comprised between 350 hours and 1200 hours            showed a good behaviour of the tree in all cases. No damages            were caused by ascertained temperatures as low as −12            degrees Celsius in winter. The tree was also very resistant            to frosty springtime weather.-   Trunk:    -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 5.2 to 6.5 centimeters in diameter            when measured at a distance of approximately 30 centimeters            above the soil level.        -   Bark texture.—Considered slightly rough, with lenticels.        -   Lenticels.—Numerous lenticels are present. The number of            lenticels reaches 2 or 3 lenticels per cm². The lenticels            range in size from approximately 4.0 millimeters to 6.0            millimeters in width, and from 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters in            height.        -   Lenticel color.—The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey            color (RHS Grey 201 D), whereas the inside is considered            brown (RHS Greyed Orange 163 A).        -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a silver-grey color (RHS Grey            201 C) slightly darker than the outside of lenticels color.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Mature branches and current season shoots are            considered medium to large for the variety.        -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other peach varieties. The            current season shoots have a diameter from 5.0 to 7.0            millimeters, and mature branches have a diameter from 10.0            to 13.0 millimeters.        -   Surface texture.—Average, wood which is several years old            has no furrowed appearance.        -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but            the crotch angles are generally between 50 degrees and 60            degrees from the horizontal axis. This particular            characteristic is not considered distinctive of the variety,            however.        -   Current season shoots.—Internode length: Generally between            22.0 and 27.0 millimeters. Color of mature branches: Medium            brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A).        -   Current seasons shoots.—Color. — The color of new shoot tips            is considered a pale yellow-green (RHS Yellow Green 145 A)            on lower part of new shoot tips, whereas the upper part is            darker and colored in red purple (RHS Greyed Purple 187 A).-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Considered large for the species. The ratio leaf            length/leaf width is 3.48.        -   Leaf length.—Approximately 157.0 to 186.0 millimeters with            leaf petiole. The medium length is 171.8 millimeters.        -   Leaf width.—Approximately 40.0 to 62.0 millimeters. The            medium width is 49.3 millimeters.        -   Leaf base shape.—Concave.        -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.        -   Leaf tip form.—Short, pointed and acuminate.        -   Leaf color.—Upper leaf surface. — Dark Green (RHS Green 137            A). Lower surface. — A lighter green (RHS Green 137 C) than            the upper leaf surface color.        -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous on both surfaces of the            leaves.        -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.        -   Mid-vein.—Color. — Light green, almost yellow (RHS Yellow            Green 145 D). The color may evolve with maturity.        -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.        -   Form.—Considered slightly dentate.        -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In            this last case, one leaf of normal size is found with one or            two smaller leaves (at least 50% smaller).        -   Leaf petioles.—Size. — Considered medium to small. Length. —            About 9.0 to about 12.0 millimeters. Diameter. — About 1.5            to 2.0 millimeters.        -   Petioles color.—Upper petiole surface. — Green (RHS Green            143 C) or light green (RHS Yellow Green 144 A). Lower            surface. — Light green (RHS Yellow Green 144 C or RHS Yellow            Green 145 A).        -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered medium. Their length is            about 0.9 to 1.1 millimeters and their width is about 0.9 to            1.1 millimeters. Number. — Generally 2 to 3 glands per leaf.            Type. — Round. Color. — On young leaves, leaf glands color            is considered a light green (RHS Green 145 B). On older            leaves, leaf glands color turns to a dark brown (RHS Grey            Brown 199 A to RHS Grey Brown 199 B). Margins. — Smooth and            regular.        -   Leaf stipules.—Generally. — No leaf stipules were observed.            But as seen in the characteristic relative to the leaves            uniformity, it is possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or            3, with a normal-size leaf and smaller ones.-   Flowers:    -   -   Flower buds.—Generally. — At pre-floral stage of            development, the floral buds are conic in form with a            slightly pointed tip. Their form is evolving until blooming,            with variable dimensions. Just before blooming, floral buds            are approximately 9.0 millimeters wide and approximately            13.0 millimeters long. Color. — This characteristic is            dependent upon the proximity to bloom. At pre-floral stage            of development (stage A), the bottom of the flowers buds,            formed by the sepals, is of purple-brown color (RHS Greyed            Purple 183 A to RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to RHS Greyed Purple            183 C to RHS Greyed Purple 183 D and RHS Grey Brown Group            199A at the base). The corolla, formed by the petals, is            generally of pale to medium pink color (RHS Red Purple 65 A            to RHS Red Purple 65 C). Petals color shows an evolution            until the end of flowering.        -   Hardiness.—The buds are considered hardy under typical            central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.            No winter injury was noted during the last several years of            evaluation in the central Pyrénées-Orientales departement,            with winter temperatures as low as −10 degrees Celsius in            January. The current variety has not been intentionally            subjected to drought or heat stress, but the variety showed            a very good resistance in orchard to temperatures up to 42            degrees Celsius with an average temperature between 28 and            30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks in summer.        -   Date of bloom.—The blooming time generally begins at the end            of February or early in March. The first bloom was observed            on Feb. 24, 2011.        -   Blooming time.—Considered medium to late-season in relative            comparison to other commercial peach cultivars grown in the            Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of full            bloom is observed at the middle of the blooming period. The            date of bloom varies slightly with climatic conditions and            cultural practices. Thus the first full bloom was observed            on February 24^(th) until Mar. 6, 2011 then from March            15^(th) until Mar. 24, 2012, then from February 26^(th) to            Mar. 15, 2013, then from February 21^(st) until Mar. 4, 2014            and then from March, 11^(th) until Mar. 19, 2015.        -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 10 to 18 days. This            characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic            conditions.        -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type            flower (rosette type).        -   Flower size.—Considered medium. Flower diameter at full            bloom is approximately 36.0 to 39.0 millimeters.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered medium to abundant, approximately            between 35 and 40 flowers per meter, with a good            distribution and a high rate of fruit set.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per            node, occasionally 1.        -   Petal size.—Generally. — Considered medium.        -   Length.—Generally 18.12 millimeters (between 16.0 to 20.0            millimeters).        -   Width.—Generally 16.37 millimeters (between 15.0 to 19.0            millimeters).        -   Petal form.—Round-shaped.        -   Petal count.—Generally 5.        -   Petal texture.—Smooth, soft and glabrous on both surfaces of            the petals.        -   Petal color.—Both surfaces of the petal are colored with a            pale Pink (RHS Red Purple 69 B to RHS Red Purple 69 C) when            young, becoming slightly darker until the end of blooming.        -   Fragrance.—Sweet.        -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered to have a conic            form, with a slightly curved tip. Length. — Approximately            6.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 5.0 millimeters.        -   Petal margins.—Generally considered wrinkled and very wavy,            sinuate.        -   Petal apex.—Generally. — The petal apices are generally            round-shaped and slightly pointed.        -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium to large and            having an average length of approximately 3.5 millimeters.            Diameter. — Considered average, approximately 2.0            millimeters. Color. — Yellow grey (RHS Greyed Yellow 160 A).        -   Calyx.—Internal surface texture. — Smooth and glabrous.            Color. — At the stage F of blooming, when the flower is            open, the inner surface of the calyx is matt and considered            greenish yellow (RHS Yellow Group 13 A to RHS Yellow Group            13 B or RHS Yellow Green 150 A to RHS Yellow Green 150 A).            The outer surface of the calyx is considered of purple-brown            color (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A to RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to            RHS Greyed Purple 183 C to RHS Greyed Purple 183 D).        -   Sepals.—Form. — Ovate. Number. — Generally five sepals.            Surface texture. — The outer surface has a short, fine            pubescent texture. The inner surface of the sepals is            smooth. Size. — Average. Color. — At the stage F of            blooming, the inner surface of the sepals is matt and            considered greenish yellow (RHS Yellow Group 13 A to RHS            Yellow Group 13 B or RHS Yellow Green 150 A to RHS Yellow            Green 150 A). The outer sides of sepals are colored with a            matt Red (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A to RHS Greyed Purple 183 B            to RHS Greyed Purple 183 C to RHS Greyed Purple 183 D and            RHS Grey Brown 199A at the base).        -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Approximately 39            stamens per flower.        -   Anthers.—Generally. — Medium to large in length            (approximately 1.0 millimeter). The position of the stigma            is below compared to the anthers. Color. — Orange yellow            color (RHS Yellow Orange 16 A to RHS Yellow Orange 16 B) or            red to red orange color (RHS Greyed Purple Group 178 A) when            the maturity is passed.        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has an orange            yellow color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to RHS            Yellow Orange 17 C) which may evolve with maturity. The            present variety is considered auto-fertile            (self-pollinating).        -   Filaments.—Size. — Medium length, between 8.0 and 13.0            millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally higher            to the pistil's length.        -   Color.—Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple            62 C to RHS Red Purple 62 D) or pink slightly darker (RHS            Red Purple 73 A to RHS Red Purple 73B). The color becomes            darker during the blooming.        -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually 1, sometimes more than 1.            Generally. — Average in size. Length. — Approximately 16.0            millimeters including the ovary. Generally equal to stamen            length, if not slightly smaller. Color. — Considered a very            pale green (RHS Yellow Green 150 D or RHS Yellow Green Group            151 D). The color evolves during the blooming. Surface            texture. — Glabrous. Pubescence of the ovary. — Present.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm in ripe conditions            (shipping ripe).        -   Date of first picking.—Sep. 20, 2010.        -   Date of last picking.—The date of harvest varies slightly            with the prevailing climatic conditions. The ‘SWEETEMBER’            variety has a late to very late date of picking, and a            grouped maturity. The maturity is grouped within 5 to 9 days            and the harvest is generally performed in two runs. Last            known picking times carry on September 20^(th) to Sep. 26,            2010, then from August 28^(th) to Sep. 4, 2011, then from            September 14^(th) to Sep. 18, 2012, then from September            18^(th) to Sep. 26, 2013, and then from September 2^(nd) to            Sep. 10, 2014 and then from September 8^(th) to Sep. 19,            2015.        -   Size.—Generally. — Homogeneous in size, mainly size 2A,            round in shape, slightly flattened, regular, very little            downy.        -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 74.0 to 78.0            millimeters.        -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 63.0 to 67.0            millimeters.        -   Typical weight.—Generally about 180.0 to 200.0 grams. This            characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing            cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly            distinctive of the variety.        -   Fruit form.—Generally. — Round slightly flattened. The fruit            is generally uniform in symmetry, viewed from the suture's            plane.        -   Fruit suture.—Wide-mouthed and slightly marked, extending            from the base to the apex. No apparent callousing or            stitching exists along the suture line. Not pointed.        -   Suture.—Color. — The suture has generally a similar color to            the whole fruit color, a luminous purple red (RHS Greyed            Purple N186 A or RHS Greyed Purple 187 A).        -   Ventral surface.—Form. — Smooth.        -   Apex.—Non-prominent, generally slightly depressed.        -   Base.—Semi-flared, shallow.        -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is about 12.0            to 15.0 millimeters. Average width is about 20.0 to 22.0            millimeters.        -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered very thick and strong,            and the adherence of skin to flesh is strong to medium,            depending on the fruit maturity. Texture. — Glabrous, with a            short pubescence. Taste. — Semi-sweet, aromatic, with a high            level of sugars. Tendency to crack. — None observed.        -   Color.—Blush color. — This blush color is a luminous and            homogenous purple red (RHS Greyed Purple N186 C or RHS            Greyed Purple 187 A). The red blush covers 75% to 80% of the            fruit skin surface on a red to a washed red background (RHS            Red 46 A to RHS Red 46 B). The percentage of the blush on            the fruit skin surface can vary, and is generally dependant            upon the prevailing conditions under which the fruit was            grown. Ground color. — The ground color covers approximately            20 to 25% of the fruit skin surface, and the color is            considered red to washed red (RHS Red 46 A to RHS Red 46 B).        -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 7.0 to 8.0            millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145 A to RHS Yellow            Green 145 B).        -   Flesh.—Ripens. — Very homogenously, slowly. The flesh has a            long shelf life. Texture. — Very firm, very dense, crunchy,            melting, juicy at harvest maturity stage. Fibers. — Not            fibrous. Aroma. — Pronounced. Eating quality. — Considered            very good and aromatic. Flavor. — Considered semi-sweet and            very aromatic. The Brix is generally superior to 10 and            acidity comprised between 6 and 9 meq/100 ml. Juice. — Very            juicy at complete maturity. Brix. — Generally 11.0 to 16.5            degrees. This characteristic varies slightly with the number            of fruit per tree; prevailing cultural practices; and the            surrounding climatic conditions. Flesh color. — The flesh is            white, slightly green (RHS Green White 157 C) usually with a            red pigmentation (RHS Red 46 A) into the stone cavity and            around the stone cavity in about 10 millimeters, in a star            shape.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone, more or less adherent depending on the            fruit maturity.        -   Size.—Considered small to medium to large for the variety.            The stone size varies significantly depending upon the tree            vigor, crop load and prevailing growing conditions.        -   Length.—Approximately 27.0 to 28.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 20.0 to 21.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 16.0 to 17.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Straight.        -   Base.—Round to slightly oblique.        -   Apex.—Shape. — The stone apex is short, pointed.        -   Stone cavity.—Considered small to medium size, with an            ovate-form and dimensions corresponding to the stone's            dimensions (i.e. approximately 27.0 to 28.0 millimeters in            length, approximately 20.0 to 21.0 millimeters in width and            approximately 16.0 to 17.0 millimeters in diameter).        -   Stone surface.—Surface texture. — The pit is transversely            furrowed on its entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced            toward the apex. The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief            is prominent generally and present basally. Ridges. — The            surface texture is generally characterized by more prominent            ridges along the ventral edges and is more prominent at the            apical tip.        -   Ventral edge.—Width. — Considered small to medium, and            having a dimension of approximately 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters            at mid-suture.        -   Dorsal edge.—Shape. — Grooved.        -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is generally            considered light orange brown (RHS Greyed Orange 164 B or            RHS Greyed Orange 164 C).        -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is very low or absent,            depending on climatic conditions between blooming period and            stone hardening.        -   Kernel.—Size. — The kernel is considered medium. Length. —            Approximately 16.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 10.0            millimeters. Thickness. — Approximately 6.0 millimeters.            Form. — Considered elliptic and flattened. Pellicle. — The            pellicle of the kernel has a short pubescence. Color. — The            kernel skin is a orange-brown (RHS Greyed Orange 164 A). The            almond, which is the seed of the kernel, is white (RHS White            155 B) and has a bitter taste. The kernel and its embryo are            mature at the time of fruit maturity.        -   Use.—The subject variety ‘SWEETEMBER’ is considered to be a            peach tree of the late to very late season of maturity, and            which produces fruits that are considered firm, attractively            colored with a very luminous purple red. Fruits have a            semi-sweet taste and are excellent for uncooked consumption,            crunchy or melting when at full maturity. Fruits have            excellent gustative qualities. Due to their flesh quality,            firmness and density, they can also be commercialized as            4^(th) range product (packed fruit or fruit in bags for            example). And they are also useful for both local and very            long distance shipping.        -   Keeping quality.—Remarkable. Fruit have a slow maturation            and a long shelf life both on the tree after growth            completion and after harvesting without alteration. After            growth completion, fruits are preserved more than one week.            After harvest, fruits are well preserved more than 4 weeks            at 2.0 degree Celsius.        -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. The fruit of the new            white peach variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or            skin damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and            packing procedures. Its resistance to handling during            harvest and packing and its long shelf life without            alteration after harvest easily permit 3 to 4 weeks-shipping            at 2 degrees Celsius.        -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular            susceptibilities were noted. The present variety is not            sensitive to powdery mildew, or conservation diseases and            decay due to its thick and strong skin. More particularly,            the variety ‘SWEETEMBER’ is not sensitive to Taphrina            deformans, the causal agent of peach leaf curl. ‘SWEETEMBER’            is also not sensitive to Podosphaera pannosa which is            responsible for the powdery mildew of peach. The new peach            variety ‘SWEETEMBER’ is not sensitive to aphids (belonging            to the superfamily of Aphidoidea), in particular the green            peach aphids Myzus persicae and the black peach aphids            Brachycaudus persicae. Also, the ‘SWEETEMBER’ variety is not            sensitive to acari.

Although the new variety of peach tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France, it should beunderstood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristicsincident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pestcontrol and horticultural management are to be expected.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of white peach tree asillustrated and described, characterized by fruits with high eatingquality and very long shelf life without alteration before and afterharvesting, with a semi-sweet greenish white flesh, with a slightlystar-shaped red pigmentation around the stone cavity and into the stonecavity, and an attractive luminous and homogenous skin with a highpercentage of luminous purple red blush on skin surface.